Faithful celebrate Corpus Christi with traditional processions

A 'Taefeli-Meedli' , a woman dressed in traditional clothes takes part at a Corpus Christi procession in the Swiss city of Appenzell. AP Photo/Keystone/Ennio Leanza

The feast day often sees church-goers dress in traditional attire as they process through the streets

Millions of Catholics are celebrating Corpus Christi around the world, not only with a Mass, but also with a procession through the streets carrying the Blessed Sacrament.

In the Swiss canton of Appenzell, the Corpus Christi Mass is held outside ahead of a colourful procession that winds its way to the main square. The city’s women and girls dress in native costumes traditional since the Middle Ages.

Women in traditional costumes attend a mass on the occasion of the Feast of Corpus Christi in Appenzell, Switzerland. Gian Ehrenzeller/Keystone via AP

The feast of Corpus Christi is particularly popular in Poland and Austria where many towns and cities celebrate with a procession of the Blessed Sacrement.

Young people in traditional attire take part in a Corpus Christi procession in Witow, Poland. CNS photo/Grezegorz Momot, EPA

Corpus Christi is a public holiday in six German states, in which many cities and towns hold processions. The young girls, particularly in Sorbian communities dress up as bridesmaids in white traditional clothing.

The Druschki, Sorbian bridesmaids, lead the Corpus Christi procession in their costumes in Crostwitz, Germany. MATTHIAS HIEKEL/dpa